Kazuhito Murata (2 January 1954 – 22 February 2016) was a Tokyo singer-songwriter closely associated with Tatsuro Yamashita, who helped launch his 1982 debut and produced his breakthrough album Hitokakera no Natsu (1983).[1]
Early years and debut
Inspired by the Beatles’ 1966 visit to Japan, Murata formed the band Almond Rocca at Dokkyo University in 1977 and worked as a salesman for Nippon Gakki before turning professional in 1981. Yamashita, who admired his demo, helped secure his debut at RVC and re-arranged several tracks on it; the single “Denwa Shitemo” arrived in April 1982 and the album Mata Ashita in June.[1]
Moon Records years
Yamashita produced Hitokakera no Natsu (1983), which sold strongly alongside the hit single “Ippon no Ongaku”, boosted by a Maxell commercial campaign.[1] Murata self-produced My Crew, released on 10 July 1984 on Alfa Moon, recording with his touring band and duetting with Mariya Takeuchi on “Summer Vacation”.[2] He made Showdown (1986) in Los Angeles with Ronnie Foster, followed by Boy’s Life (1987) and Go Pop (1988).[1]
Later life
After years teaching at a music school, Murata returned with Hello Again (1993), on which Yamashita took part, and released Now Recording (2008), his first new album in 13 years. He died of cancer in 2016; De P-Can was completed posthumously by his band and his son Kanata.[1]
Discography
Studio albums
| Year | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Mata Ashita (Debut album) | RVC (Air) |
| 1983 | Hitokakera no Natsu (Produced by Tatsuro Yamashita) | Moon |
| 1984 | My Crew (First self-produced album) | Alfa Moon |
Notable songs
References
In the catalogue · 3
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